The GF is looking for coffee machine around $700
Wants built-in grinder (coffee, not the app) and 'self cleaning' (didn't know that was thing).
Happy for manual frothing via a steam wand.
I've suggested perhaps something in the Breville range as it seems to be popular here.
Talked her into a Roborock Revo vac during xmas so hoping to have some tips for a coffee machine.
Thanks
Some or the newer Brevilles have baratza ESP grinders built in.
I'd get one of those.
Apparently the older model built in grinders weren't great
'self cleaning' isn't a real thing.
Are you after an automatic machine? Not quite clear.
She said automatic but was happy doing the milk with the wand. I'm not sure which parts of the whole process can be automated.
Smeg Bean to Cup
I recently got a Breville Barista Express Impress and I am very impressed. The automatic dosing of the grind, and auto tamping pressure (via lever) works perfectly. It has an auto cleaning cycle capability though I have no tried it yet.
Highly recommend as the auto dosing and tamping lever makes for very consistent espresso.
EDIT: theres many reviews but this is a good overview of the auto tamping/dosing system making life easy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0CvG5EkEAo&ab_channel=KyleR…
I picked up the Sunbeam Origins Espresso Machine. It is loaded to the gills with features and functionality. Pulls excellent shots, I'm pretty impressed. I got it when Myer had a discount on them and timed it with a Myer Shopback promotion.
RRP $899, Myer Sale $764.15, Shopback $127.35 = Total paid: $636.80
Very hard to walk by the price/functionality on offer with that.
That said, Breville Barista Express Impress has a few more features, but also for a fair more amount of $.
I can definitely recommend the Breville range. I have a Barista Pro, and a know a few people with the Express, all good reviews.
(whereas I have heard a few bad things about Sunbeam over the years, but who knows)
I would suggest breville bambino with breville smart grinder pro is a solid entry level combo